Game 82 has finally arrived, with the Kings set to take on the Ducks for their last contest of the 2022-23 regular season. It’s been quite a season of resiliency for LA, as they have battled injuries to key contributors up and down the lineup all season and made several roster changes via call-ups and key trades. Additionally, LA tied the franchise record for most wins at home (26, last accomplished in 2015-16), became an offensive juggernaut with scoring power spread across all four lines, and had a power play that sat in the top five of the NHL pretty much all year.
Just over a week ago, the Kings clinched a playoff berth for the second straight year. From the outside looking in, it may seem like a meaningless two points available tonight at the Honda Center. Yet, that could not be further from the truth when it comes to what’s next for the Kings; they would likely love these two points. Still not knowing who they will draw for round one, LA can control their own destiny by grabbing at least one point tonight. A regulation loss in this game, combined with a Seattle win tonight, would allow the Kraken to take over third place in the Pacific Division.
#GoKingsGo likely playoff schedule:
Games 1 & 2
April 17/19 in EDM or VGKGames 3 & 4
April 21/23 in LATV will dictate start times
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 13, 2023
That's the only series that could get squirrely. Kings home games would likely be April 23 and 25 if they face the Avs.
If the matchup is LA/DAL, it's still likely to be the 17/19 and 21/23 schedule from the original tweet.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 13, 2023
As discussed on this week’s Kings Of The Podcast episode, goaltending is still a question mark for the team as they head for the playoffs. Coach Todd McLellan has made no indication on who his Game 83 starter will be in net. At this point, it’s likely a final decision won’t be known until the day before postseason action begins. It is interesting, though, that McLellan is opting to go with Joonas Korpisalo for tonight’s game. It gives him back-to-back starts for the second straight week and would at least suggest he’s pulling ahead of Pheonix Copley. In reality, both goalies have done an outstanding job down the stretch and they’re each quality candidates to lead the Kings on a playoff run. Playoff experience, which is so important in hockey, probably tips the scale towards Korpisalo. Then again, Copley has done nothing but win games for LA, pushing his record to 24-6-3. It’s an interesting debate, to say the least.
Gaining momentum will once again be the focus for the Kings tonight. Two straight wins going into the playoffs would be a nice feeling for a team that is getting healthy and gaining confidence at the perfect time. It doesn’t appear like Kevin Fiala or Gabe Vilardi will be available to play tonight. The former was close a few days ago, so perhaps McLellan has a surprise up his sleeve.
For those asking — even though LA Kings prospect Alex Laferriere has been practicing with the team for a few days now, he is not scheduled to play tomorrow night. We laid it all out here https://t.co/eBpDBadlCB
And then discussed things with him here: https://t.co/lt5qmpf1ts pic.twitter.com/dbuNQCj5jO
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 13, 2023
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Anaheim Ducks
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Lizotte – Kaliyev
JAD / MacEwen – Kupari – Grundstrom
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Durzi – Walker
Korpisalo
Copley
Likely scratches: Edler (upper body), Fiala (lower body), Laferriere, Vilardi + one of JAD / MacEwen
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports.
Across the Ice
In their last game, the Ducks were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 3-2 on Tuesday night. It was their 12th straight loss.
Here’s how Anaheim lined up at practice yesterday:
Ducks practice lines:
White: Henrique-Zegras-Terry
Blue: Jones-Strome-Vatrano
Gray: Nesterenko-Lundeström-Silfverberg
Orange: Grant-Groulx-Carrick-LeasonBlack: Fowler-Benoit, Shattenkirk-Helleson, LaCombe-White, Beaulieu-Megna
Gibson-Dostál
No McTavish#FlyTogether
— Derek Lee (@Derek_Lee27) April 12, 2023
On This Day in Kings History
On April 13, 1976, @LAKings center Butch Goring scored his first career playoff goal 27 seconds into overtime in a 3-2 win versus the Boston Bruins in Game 2 of the NHL Quarterfinals.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/cVJxq1KiQv
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) April 13, 2023
RELATED CONTENT:
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Fiala, Clarke, and Potential Kings Playoff Matchups
Checking in with Cal: Petersen’s Thoughts on Playoffs, Positioning, and Preparation
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
Maybe QB can get one tonight. Hopefully one goal turns into many in the playoffs.